New Plant Diagnostic Clinic Coordinator

The University of Missouri has in place a new Plant Diagnostic Clinic Coordinator. Simeon Wright will oversee clinic functions in providing diagnostic services for clientele across the state. The following is a personal introduction from Simeon.

I acquired my M.S. Degree in plant pathology from Ohio State University in 2001 where I studied vegetable pathology, managed vegetable fungicide and disease resistance trials and did research evaluating alternative disease management methods for tomato and pepper bacterial diseases. In 1998, I received a B.S. degree in entomology from Iowa State University where I did research examining green and white cultivar response to ash yellows infection.

Most recently, I worked in the Ohio Integrated Pest Management Program conducting interdisciplinary field research on organic fruit production and management of the multicolored Asian lady beetle, an insect that frequently invades buildings in the fall. I have also worked as the pest management specialist for a plug and bedding plant grower specializing in vegetables and flowers. In addition, I was an intern at Walt Disney World in Florida, working in diagnosis and management of disease, insect and weed problems in turf and landscape plantings. As a student, I worked in a variety of research labs evaluating pheromone mating disruption of the European corn borer and cranberry blackheaded fireworm and managing field trials for insect and disease management as well as production aspects for fruits, vegetables, ornamentals and turf.

I have enjoyed gardening and working with plants since before I started school, and it has been a life-long passion. I look forward to working with the people of Missouri, so please send in your insect and plant samples!